The Game Changing Attorney Podcast with Michael Mogill

"People complain as if their standards are high and lead as if their standards are low, and you can't have both." - Cy Wakeman How much time are you wasting on drama and emotional waste in the workplace? Why are employee engagement surveys a waste of time? How do you know if a team member is a good candidate for change? And when should you cut your losses and move on?  How Cy Wakeman Promotes The Ego-Free OfficeCy Wakeman is a workplace drama expert, leadership & team culture consultant, a New York Times best-selling author, and a sought-after speaker with 25 years of expertise. She spends her time training world-class leaders how to craft the ideal, profitable, and ego-free organization by hacking the hiring process, deriving true employee engagement, and putting energy, time, and money in all the right places.Why Drama Is Eating Up Our Working HoursAccording to Cy's extensive research, the average team member spends 2 hours and 26 minutes a day in drama. That's 816 hours a year of lost productivity — per person in your organization!Cy says drama is really emotional waste (i.e. energy that's being taken away from results or happiness and dumped into drama behaviors). We see this at work in terms of scorekeeping, venting, blaming, resisting changes, holding the organization hostage, and giving terroristic demands. The good news is, these behaviors are demonstrable and measurable — and Cy is all too happy to give us her academic insight on how to wrangle those metrics in your law firmThe High Accountability - Low Accountability ConundrumA law firm’s C-suite, leaders, and upper managers only have a limited number of hours in the day — even fewer if you're dealing with workplace drama. Most teams consist of a blend of high, mid, and low accountable employees, so it can be tough to devote the appropriate amount of time to all team members in each category.Cy argues that a fair leader will spend time with all employees on the spectrum — but when it comes to low accountables, the focus should be firmly on performance management, not coaching, cajoling, or bargaining.Key takeaways: Game changing leaders should limit the liberties that rockstar team members take. Cy explains why no single employee — however talented they may be — should have the power to hold a business hostage. There are more factors at play than just specialized knowledge and achievements. What is that individual's true costs, aside from their salary and benefits? What's their hassle factor? Their drama quotient? Cy tells us how to measure the real price of talent — and what we should do if it's too high! Employee engagement is paramount in the competitive contemporary jobs market, but Cy says organizations need a wake-up call when it comes to engaging their workforce. Ping-pong tables, waterslides, and over-the-top employee benefits equate to buying love — and that's not sustainable. Instead, Cy explains how to elevate your employee satisfaction by creating a respectful environment that is high in accountability. Has your law firm got mediocre results? That's just fine, says Cy, but you need to quit lying about it. If average results are your reality and you're not planning on overhauling your company, then you'll need to make peace with it. She says that leaders complain like their standards are high, but behave as if their standards are low — and that it's impossible to have both. If you want to get out of a rut, you might be in need of a healthy dose of reality-based leadership in your firm.  Links And Resources The Game Changing Attorney Podcast Michael Mogill Facebook Michael Mogill Twitter Michael Mogill Instagram Michael Mogill LinkedIn Crisp Video Website Crisp Video Facebook Crisp Video Group Twitter Crisp Video Instagram Crisp Video LinkedIn Cy Wakeman Website Cy Wakeman LinkedIn Cy Wakeman Twitter Cy Wakeman: "No Ego: How Leaders Can Cut the Cost of Workplace Drama, End Entitlement, and Drive Big Results"  

"I like the idea of lawyers not even touching the technology because — let's be honest — they're the ones that f*** it up." -Anthony Johnson How does a data-driven attorney approach marketing, hiring, and “the human element” of running a law firm? Why should firms share their data with their rivals? Can you be both a great business owner and a great lawyer? Attorney, Entrepreneur, Digital Strategist, FuturistMost people don't understand what Anthony Johnson does — and those who do believe he's either crazy, brilliant, or a combination of the two.A computer science undergrad with a background in software and SaaS, AJ made his way into the legal world in an unlikely way. Fresh out of law school and working out of his closet, his understanding of digital marketing drove his firm to become the leading firm in Arkansas on Google Places. The catch? He hadn't yet tried a case.Years later, AJ has become a true pioneer in the legal world thanks to his unique mindset and innovative approach to business.Data in the Legal LandscapeAJ is data-driven, pure and simple. His office is filled with monitors displaying metrics, analytics, and modeling dashboards, and he spends a huge amount of time thinking about how we use data today — and what the future will look like.We discuss the key considerations that law firms need to contend with around data management and privacy, and talk about why law firm leaders should start reading up on cryptocurrency now.Measuring the IntangibleSavvy marketing is part and parcel of AJ's strategic approach, although it's ironically one of the most difficult business factors to measure in terms of clear, tangible return on investment. AJ and Michael discuss why the biggest law firm advertising spenders reap big results — and how small firms can hack the digital marketplace to start making gains.Key Takeaways: When it comes to competition, your mindset matters. AJ looks to other firms as rivals, not competitors, creating an environment where law firms can grow and explore new territories together. This bold approach means keeping your personal leadership skills sharp and growing as a firm — while simultaneously raising the bar for all attorneys. Company culture can be cultivated, but AJ firmly believes that people are either on your team...or they're out of it. AJ won't keep a staff member longer than necessary because if they're not happy being there, you're fundamentally holding them back from finding the next position that could be perfect for them. That said, AJ's team is one of the most engaged around, and he lets us in on what he does to create that all-important employee experience, empower people as part of the process, and foster a sense of purpose and belonging. AJ has myriad predictions about the future of the legal industry and tech, but the one he's most convinced of is a progressive decoupling of attorneys from paralegal and adjacent roles. He believes that, with automation on the rise, attorneys will be valued for their thought leadership and expertise, with less about "cracking the whip on paralegals and running a sweatshop." Links & Resources The Game Changing Attorney Podcast Michael Mogill Facebook Michael Mogill Twitter Michael Mogill Instagram Michael Mogill LinkedIn Crisp Video Website Crisp Video Facebook Crisp Video Group Twitter Crisp Video Instagram Crisp Video LinkedIn Anthony Johnson LinkedIn Anthony Johnson Twitter Linville Johnson Website Attorney Group Website

"The secret to gaining the upper hand and a negotiation is giving the other side the illusion of control.” -Chris Voss How can FBI hostage negotiation techniques level-up your leadership? Why are emotional intelligence and tactical empathy the sharpest tools? What is the 'Oprah rule' and why should you live your life by it? Hostage Negotiations: From The FBI To The BoardroomChris Voss, former Lead International Kidnapping Negotiator for the FBI, and current CEO and The Black Swan Group, has had an action-packed career. He started out as a beat cop in New York City and moved laterally into hostage negotiations, thanks to his insatiable attitude to learning, and his insightful understanding of the human condition.How Law Firm Leaders Can Level-Up Their Negotiation SkillsOver the years, Chris has worked with and trained some of the world's leading negotiators, entrepreneurs and business leaders. So what do all these people have in common? One greatly underestimated skill ties all these people together: emotional intelligence.Do you have it, or do you need to work on it? Chris explains why it's so vital, and how it can lead to the ultimate collaboration, whether you're negotiating fees, or handling a case.The Link Between Tactical Empathy In Business And NeuroscienceIn the words of Chris Voss: "Tactical empathy. It's low maintenance and it works". But what exactly is this so-called Jedi mind trick? Chris explains how negotiation strategies are linked to cognitive empathy, and how his theory of tactical empathy is evidenced in our scientific understanding of how our brains function.Key takeaways: The greatest hack for any budding law firm negotiator is a mindset of discovery. Chris' natural curiosity has worked in his favor in hostage negotiations, and throughout his career. Although Chris has honed his skills over the years, this mindset can be taught and cultivated. Like any skill worth having, it takes dedication, but Chris lets us in on a few daily practices that can start you on the road to masterful negotiation. One trick to gaining the upper hand in negotiations is to give your counterpart the illusion of control. Chris explains how to plant seeds of doubt in order to make your adversary think twice. This isn't about mind-manipulation or leading someone astray, it's about creating a favorable situation so that you can avoid being taken advantage of - highly applicable to the legal landscape, from the boardroom to the courtroom. Chris Voss lives his life by the Oprah rule - pull out when you need to, but always leave the door open. The last impression is the lasting impression, and by exiting professionally and politely you always leave space for further collaboration if desired. So what if someone doesn't let you leave politely? Chris breaks down this predatory move and explains what your next course of action should be. Links And Resources The Game Changing Attorney Podcast Michael Mogill Facebook Michael Mogill Twitter Michael Mogill Instagram Michael Mogill LinkedIn Crisp Video Website Crisp Video Facebook Crisp Video Group Twitter Crisp Video Instagram Crisp Video LinkedIn “The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable” by Nassim Nicholas Taleb Black Swan Group Website Chris Voss LinkedIn "Never Split The Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It" by Chris Voss

"I can't imagine someone else being the most recognizable person or the number one law firm in Alabama. Not on my watch." -Alexander Shunnarah How did a personal injury lawyer become the best-known face in all of Alabama? What can football coach Nick Saban teach us about law firm leadership? And why does Alexander Shunnarah play the legal marketing long game? The Attorney That Launched 1,000 MemesBorn and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Alexander Shunnarah has become one of the most recognizable faces in the state and beyond thanks to his billboards — two thousand of them and counting — and his slogan: “Call me, Alabama.” Shunnarah’s billboards have become so popular they've spawned thousands of memes and even Facebook fan pages.In this episode of The Game Changing Attorney Podcast, Alex discusses what he does to keep his fingers on the pulse of his business and why he's always ready to adapt and improve his marketing strategy.Calculated Risk And ReinvestmentMany law firm owners must play a balancing act between profit and reinvestment — a difficult task that can be exacerbated by fluctuations of the stock market and the local business competition they come up against.Alexander Shunnarah brings us his wisdom on how to take calculated risks and when it's time go all-in on legal advertising. Plus, we discuss how a little bit of fear can be the ideal driving force to elevate an attorney in a crowded market like personal injury law.Fishing For MarlinsThe one thing that has set Alexander Shunnarah apart is his insatiable and uncompromising business attitude. He believes in constant self-reflection, which drives him to be a better CEO and leader. While the competition is sleeping, Alexander Shunnarah is driving change in his firm through the early hours of the morning. And while some lawyers take vacations, Alexander Shunnarah goes fishing for marlins...Key takeaways: Despite being a billboard marketing guru, Alexander Shunnarah is also a fierce advocate for digital marketing in the legal space. But just how does the modern law firm balance their monetary efforts? Alex demonstrates that by understanding that brand is king, firms can optimize their strategies to present one coherent vision. Alex is the kind of law firm leader that still shows up to the office early every morning. He talks to us about making space within a business for teaching and learning moments. Plus, we uncover his methods to drive employee engagement by setting a consistently high standard of duty and responsibility throughout his firm. It's notoriously difficult to follow where a lead has come from, particularly for services with limited or one-time buying cycles. Alex gives us his thoughts on why personal injury firms need to take inspiration from Coca Cola and Ferrari — and how investment into brand equity can pay off in the long run. Links & Resources The Game Changing Attorney Podcast Michael Mogill Twitter Michael Mogill Facebook Michael Mogill LinkedIn Crisp Video Website Crisp Video Group Twitter Crisp Video LinkedIn Alex Shunnarah Personal Injury Attorneys Alex Shunnarah LinkedIn

"We don't get what we want. We get what we're committed to." - Hal Elrod Why should businesses practice acceptance in the wake of crises like the coronavirus? How does taking responsibility for our inner world enable us to be more competitive? Which two seemingly obvious concepts are the secrets behind all successful industry leaders? Personal And Professional TransformationHal Elrod is a motivational speaker and best-selling author of The Miracle Morning. His work has turned a community of growth-minded individuals across the world on to a new way of tackling life's challenges.The message of hope and transformation Hal prescribes to can have a lasting impact on our business and personal lives. This motivation stems from what he calls his rock bottoms. From a tragic car accident to a battle with cancer, and riding out the recession, Hal shows us that cultivating a game-changing mindset makes the improbable obtainable.The New Affirmations For Results-Driven IndividualsIf we start looking at our own unlimited potential, all it takes is a solid set of practices and routines to see performance improvements in all areas of life. Hal champions the SAVERS routine, and the one technique that tops his list is also the most misunderstood: affirmations.This isn't standing in front of a mirror saying "Money is flowing to me!". Instead of cultivating dishonesty within our subconscious, Hal explains the importance of time management, why committed and actionable affirmations help us to achieve tangible results.Never Regretting The JourneyPeriods of adversity are part and parcel of playing the long game. Hal explains how individuals and professionals can use experiences as a learning curve to growth hack. We explore how the resolve and adaptability practiced during challenging times can elevate a firm's offering, and make a business leader into a true game-changer.Key takeaways: In catastrophic circumstances, such as the financial instability businesses are experiencing as a result of the coronavirus-borne Covid-19, leaders should follow the path to acceptance. Hal explains that a daily dose of reality will allow businesses to react quickly, maintain employee engagement, and move on to the next growth opportunity, with three actionable steps. Successful individuals cultivate a mindset that takes responsibility for their inner world. Drawing comparison's to his life post-financial crash, Hal explains that self-care is the primary and most important touchstone for where personal and professional growth. Hal's Miracle Equation breaks down into two seemingly simple concepts: unwavering faith and extraordinary effort. It's a guarantee that all highly successful law firm leaders are practicing these two rules, even if they aren't conscious of it. Hal demonstrates each concept and explains their application in everything from management and hiring, to entrepreneurship and running your firm like a business. Links & Resources The Game Changing Attorney Podcast Michael Mogill Twitter Michael Mogill LinkedIn Crisp Video Website Crisp Video Group Twitter Crisp Video LinkedIn Hal Elrod Website Hal Elrod LinkedIn The Miracle Morning The Miracle Equation

"We are dealing with something that we haven't seen in our lifetime, but we're going to get through this" - Dr. Jason Valadao What is COVID-19, and how worried do we really need to be? Could the United States have responded differently to the coronavirus? How can law firm leaders leverage this unique challenge? Why does poor sleep hygiene elicit our flight or fight response? How can you use the quarantine to health-check your personal and professional life? Dr. Jason Valadão is a family medicine and board certified sports medicine doctor, and he has been an active naval officer for over 20 years. Fake news is having a field day, and communications about the coronavirus are rife with misinformation. As a medical professional with boots on the ground, Jason gives us the fundamental facts about COVID-19. His unique perspective from the intersection of medical and military institutions touches on personal health, security, the government response to the crisis, and why this isn't just the flu.Business Crisis Management & Employee EngagementBusinesses have been thrust into crisis management mode, hastily putting contingency plans into action. Small businesses and law firms are suffering cash flow issues, while larger companies are at the mercy of the stock market.Taking inspiration from the military model, Dr. Jason believes this is the moment for leaders to get creative. We discuss management strategies, the importance of internal communications, and how employee engagement can unearth hidden, valuable skillsets.Audit Your Personal Health; Level Up Your PerformanceIn times of crisis, entrepreneurs and leaders often let their personal health take the back seat. Jason talks fitness and home exercise from a medical standpoint. We dive deep into the mental and physical ramifications of poor sleep hygiene, and why the coronavirus quarantine could be the perfect time to reconsider your health habits.Links & Resources The Game Changing Attorney Podcast Michael Mogill Facebook Michael Mogill Twitter Michael Mogill LinkedIn Crisp Video Website Crisp Video Twitter Crisp Video LinkedIn

"I don't think anybody could wipe me out. I don't think anyone works harder than me." - John Morgan. How do our experiences in our formative years affect law firm leadership style?Why should you give something for free without expecting returns?Exactly how much money should a law firm be investing in marketing and advertising in 2020?What does the future of the legal landscape look like?The Face Of Personal Injury Law AdvertisingJohn Morgan founded Morgan & Morgan in Orlando, Florida, in 1988. Since its beginning with just two lawyers, the firm has grown to over 700 attorneys with a range of practices. John has become the face of personal injury law in the United States through his inventive law firm advertising, growth mindset, and entrepreneurial leadership.The law firm growth management approach pioneered by John Morgan has made him an authority of law and of business. The level of uncertainty in business due to the COVID-19 health crisis makes John's insights and experience particularly pertinent at this time.Morgan & Morgan's Exponential Growth StrategyJohn's approach to running his law firm was forged in his early years as a paperboy, a first job shared by other business moguls such as Oprah Winfrey, Jack Welch, and Warren Buffet. His career has been centered around his slogan "For the People," which translates into a non-negotiable attitude towards putting his clients first.Thanks to carefully calculated risks and investments along the way, Morgan & Morgan rapidly grew from a small Florida firm to a national powerhouse. John gives us the rundown on how you'll know when your firm has plateaued in a certain region and how to identify the next market with growth potential.The Success Mindset Transforming The Legal LandscapeGame changing attorneys have one thing in common: an insatiable hunger to succeed. John's inspirational drive comes from a dedication from his family, his deep-rooted success mindset that permeates his ethos, and his desire to change the future of the legal landscape for the better.In The Game Changing Attorney Podcast, Michael Mogill, Founder and CEO of Crisp Video, sits down with innovative market leaders from the legal industry and beyond — to learn from those who thrive in the face of adversity, challenge the status quo, and define what it means to be a true game changer.Key takeaways: How can an attorney or law firm expand into new markets? Innovation in the legal landscape relies on obtaining and aligning yourself with a key partner. As a specialist in personal injury law, John sought out entrepreneurial attorneys to expand his firm in the areas of medical malpractice, defective products, and specialist areas such as mesothelioma. He let us in on how he goes about hiring and how he measures dedication. What's the entrepreneurial secret that grew Morgan & Morgan from just 2 attorneys to over 700 in 2020? John says his strategy on how to grow a law firm, is less about tactics and more about mindset. John takes us through what it means to be hungry enough, how to know when to reinvest back into a business, when to cut your losses, and why you should go all in on marketing and advertising. John believes the future of law firm management will be a model in which public companies own law firms. He calls for an end to billable time, particularly within commercial litigation, instead envisioning a future of single prices for services. So what does that mean for the law firms of tomorrow? Should we be worried, or is this the legal revolution we've all been waiting for? Links & Resources The Game Changing Attorney Podcast Michael Mogill Facebook Michael Mogill Twitter Michael Mogill LinkedIn Crisp Video Website Crisp Video Twitter Crisp Video LinkedIn Morgan & Morgan Website John Morgan on LinkedIn You Can't Teach Hungry — book by John Morgan

Introducing The Game Changing Attorney Podcast, launching April 2020.For more information, visit http://www.gamechangingattorney.com